Two men from Essendon have been sentenced to two-and-a-half years in prison for their role in a series of thefts totaling £44,000. Bill Harber, 22, and Joseph Brazil, 19, both from Holwell Place, Essendon, appeared at St Albans Crown Court on June 14, where they received 30 months behind bars each.
The pair were responsible for eight theft offenses carried out between November 2023 and January 2024, targeting rural locations across Hertfordshire, Sussex, Norfolk, Devon, Buckinghamshire, and Bedfordshire. Their crime spree included stealing three vehicles and various tools and equipment worth over £44,000.
Harber and Brazil were arrested in February 2024 after a thorough investigation led by Hertfordshire’s Specialist Investigations Team, with assistance from several other police forces, including Sussex Police’s CID unit.
Detective Constable George Lewin of the Specialist Investigations Team said, “Harber and Brazil went on a prolific crime spree, targeting rural communities and stealing valuable equipment. The impact of their crimes was deeply felt by businesses and individuals, particularly in rural areas. Investigating rural crime is challenging, and I’d like to thank all our partners for their excellent support in securing justice.”
Sergeant Carlo Leone, formerly of Sussex Police’s Rural Crime Team, noted the significant impact such crimes have on farmers and rural businesses, who often already face financial hardship. He emphasized that stolen tools and machinery can be the difference between keeping a business afloat or facing closure. He also pointed out that the thefts ultimately affect food production costs.
“Sussex Police is committed to proactively tackling rural crime through our dedicated Rural Crime Team and Neighbourhood Policing Teams,” said Leone. “We’re making Sussex a hostile place for criminals targeting rural areas. Thanks to our strong relationships with other forces and communities, we are able to identify and capture suspects quickly.”
The investigation into the theft spree highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to combat rural crime, ensuring that those responsible face justice, regardless of where they try to hide.
